Born To Expire

Thanks to Run-D.M.C, Dana Dane and other rappers, Profile became one of the top independent labels in the mid-1980s. The label (which was second only to Fantasy among independents) was also quite strong in dance music, but in rock, Profile was far from well known. In the late '80s, Profile set out to change that by signing Leeway, Murphy's Law, the Cro-Mags and other rockers. While the signings didn't establish Profile as one of rock's heavy hitters, they certainly weren't anything to be ashamed of. A decent thrash metal band from Queens, Leeway showed some promise on the exhilarating Born to Expire. Forceful tunes like "Self Defense," "Tools for War" and "Defy You" bring to mind Anthrax and Testament, and like those bands, Leeway was one of the more accessible units to come out of thrash. A departure from the other songs on the CD, "Catholic High School (Girls In Trouble)" combines funk and rap with Leeway's metal foundation. The CD received little attention, although Leeway did have potential. ~ Alex Henderson